Rain water building up around pool

[olalla]

I have a similar concern. It hasn't rained yet (pool has been up for a week now) but I think I should have added drainage to the base I built the pool on. To get a level spot I built a big rectangular 34'x18' box out of 2"x6" pressure treated lumber. The box was then filled with about 15 yards of sand. I capped it with filter fabric then a layer of Styrofoam garage insulation that I tapped at the seems. I think this foam was a mistake but it's working great for now. To support the legs of the pool structure I ringed the box with OSB plywood that I painted. The plywood has held the weight well so far and there is very slight bowing but pretty straight overall.

I'm worried the rain will pool around the bladder of the pool as the Styrofoam doesn't have anywhere for the water to drain into the sand. I should probably take the pool down in the winter and install some drainage out of the giant sand box as well as swap out the foam which I think will degrade. I also didn't put any filter fabric under the sand to help prevent roots from coming through but too late for that.

Has anyone used a similar setup? How do you handle rain on and around the pool? If I cover the pool won't the rain water sit on top of the cover? Should I get a giant tarp and figure out some rigging to have the rain roll off? I love in Seattle so it will rain. Thanks for any replies. I'm new to all of this. Kids love it so far!

 

[VinnyinNJ]

My pool can sit in water when it rains a lot. I did not build a box, my property slopes away from the house, you can kind of see it on my signature photo (avatar?). This is our second pool and we just live with it; unless the ground is totally saturated it just goes away within a day or day and a half.

But you built a box so you may have options - how high is the box? Can you add something like a French drain in the box? How about drilling a hole or holes for drainage? Maybe drill a hole or holes and use something like this to cap it: The Plumber's Choice 2 in. Termination Vent Cap with Condensation Drain TVENT2 - The Home Depot I probably use screening behind it to make the sand not come out, maybe even some pebbles to keep the sand away from the screening. You're just looking for draining and gravity should work.

Roots will find a way of making it to the pool, I was totally surprised in how many big roots (and small ones as well) were around my old pool area without any trees or bushes close by the pool. Not sure about covering the pool, we use a solar cover and it just lets rain accumulate and when we pull it off the water goes into the pool along with some debris on top.